Cade Cunningham reflects on late collapse against Magic

The Detroit Pistons were officially eliminated from NBA Cup Tournament after a 112-019 loss to the Orlando Magic. Detroit needed a win to stay in the tournament. however, Wednesday night’s loss to the Boston Celtics and Friday’s loss knocked them out of contention.

Outstanding performance by the All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham kept the Pistons in the game all night. Cunningham finished with his second triple-double of the season, recording 39 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Detroit missed some late opportunities to win because of critical mistakes. Cunningham spoke to the media after the game about the feeling of the team’s mistakes in the final period – said Cunningham.

“It was good for us. It’s always great for the city to come out like that. In the dressing room we’re all upset with ourselves, the fact that we didn’t get this win. But we like our fans to still come out like that, to support us like that and it’ll be better for us moving forward.”

Forward Tobias Harris cut the Magic’s lead to one point with a 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter. Detroit forced three Orlando turnovers, but allowed three straight offensive rebounds, negating their defensive stops. Magic guard Jalen Suggs went to the free throw line and knocked down two free throws to extend their lead to three.

Cunningham was fouled on the next possession and had a pair of free throws to close the gap. Then he missed the first free throw intentionally missed the second one and grabbed an offensive rebound. Cunningham threw the ball to Duncan Robinson for a 3, but the Magic blocked it to end the game.

The Pistons have struggled with their offensive output as a team. Harris finished the night with 18 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the field. Center Jalen Duren had 16 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.

The Pistons’ 12-man rotation continues

During the Pistons 13-game winning streakhead coach JB Bickerstaff has stated that he wants to open up options by playing more guys in his rotation. Bickerstaff said he believes the team has played well enough to figure out the right rotations by playing more guys than usual. He ended up playing 12 Pistons against the Magic throughout the night. Bickerstaff said he believes the team is adjusting to changes in the rotation.

“It’s obviously a work in progress. We’re getting guys back, and who’s going to play those minutes when Cade (Cunningham) is out, and then figuring out the offensive identity of that group and how we can continue to play faster, but we can move teams around,” Bickerstaff explained.

“Our stops have to help us get out and run, because that group should be pretty athletic and pretty quick. So we’re working on that. Guys will be more comfortable in their roles. We’ll be more comfortable in our rotations.”

The Pistons have opened up their lineups more since the return of guard Jaden Ivey. Prior to Ivey’s return, the Pistons benefited from solid production off the bench from the likes of Danis Jenkins, Javonte Green, Paul Reed and others. Bickerstaff did not specify when he would seek to officially cut rotations, but said he would remain patient in making that decision.